Advertise on podcast: Harper Talks

From toy designer in Venezuela to medical interpreter in the United States and ultimately a neuro ICU nurse, Harper College alumna Elda Holbrook discusses her road to finding her calling on the latest Harper Talks. A 2024 Harper College graduate and HOPE Scholarship recipient, Elda reflects on the financial support, hands-on learning and unexpected opportunities, including studying healthcare in South Africa, that helped shape her path. Today, Elda is a registered nurse in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital and shares how she thrives in the fast-paced environment of the Neurointensive Care Unit, where she cares for patients experiencing some of their most critical moments.

Harper Talks host Brian Shelton sits down with retiring Harper College English Professor and alumnus Kris Piepenburg to reflect on a remarkable journey that began as a Harper student in 1979. Kris shares memories of a very different campus, his experiences as a WHCM radio DJ, and his role in bringing legendary musical acts like Survivor and Pat Metheny to Harper. He also discusses the professors who inspired his path, his career in publishing, and his return to Harper as a faculty member who would spend more than three decades shaping students’ lives.

As the construction manager leading the work on Harper’s new Canning Student Center, alumna Kiara Trejo shares her full circle journey from Harper College to IIT to her current role at Ardmore Roderick. She discusses breaking barriers as a Latina in a male-dominated field, the value of hands-on learning, and how networking opened unexpected doors, including her return to Harper. Kiara offers insight into career growth and why stepping outside your comfort zone can change everything.

John Schippman, a Harper College alumnus and Emmy Award-winning executive producer of sports at WMAQ and Telemundo, shares his journey from being a “Scrappy C” at Harper College, transferring to the University of Illinois, and ultimately finding focus and launching a career in sports media that began with an internship at ESPN. He reflects on the power of patience, persistence, and a career covering Chicago sports at the highest level.

Harper alumna and current mass communication professor Maham Khan shares her journey from starting at Harper with uncertainty—and during the tumultuous days of 9/11—to discovering her voice through leadership, speech and debate, and ultimately journalism. She reflects on overcoming stigma around community college, transferring to Northwestern, and building a career in Chicago media before returning to Harper as faculty. Maham also discusses her upcoming memoir project with a wrongfully convicted exoneree and offers meaningful advice to students about embracing growth, resilience, and self‑discovery.

Episode 50 is here! Countless stories. One powerful community.  In this milestone episode of the Harper Talks Alumni Podcast, we’re revisiting the powerful advice from alumni over the past five years — the moments that inspired our listeners to say yes, take risks, and create their own paths. Their journeys started at Harper. Their impact reaches far beyond. Tune in and get inspired.

US Army veteran and Harper College alumna Phyllis Higgins joins Harper Talks to share her inspiring journey from military service to corporate success. Phyllis reflects on returning to school through Harper’s Fast Track program, balancing work and family, and finding her passion in supporting others. Now an apprenticeship talent navigator at Zurich Insurance, she champions opportunities that help students and career-changers thrive. Phyllis discusses the reminder to take the leap, invest in yourself, and “just do it.”

Meet Izabela Pieniadz, 2012 Harper College graduate and a 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. From discovering her passion for art and history at Harper to leading the Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb, Illinois, Izabela shares how curiosity, saying “yes” to opportunities, and a love of historic preservation shaped her path. Tune in as she discusses her time at Harper College, getting her start at the Art Institute of Chicago, earning two master’s degrees, her impactful work in arts and culture, and her advice for students finding their own way.

Meet Maria and Jose Macias, a Harper College love story that grew into a life of leadership, community impact, and successful careers. On this episode of Harper Talks, the married alumni duo shares how Harper gave them opportunities to explore their educational curiosity, build connection through Latinos Unidos, and ultimately meet each other. Today, Jose leads in real estate and financial literacy education, while Maria drives innovation in restaurant design around the world. Their journey highlights resilience, passion for curiosity, and the power of finishing what you start.

Dr. Joseph Sagerer, a 2024 Harper College Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, began as an uncertain high school student and flourished into a physics Ph.D. and pioneering researcher. In this episode of Harper Talks, Dr. Sagerer shares how Harper helped launch his academic career and discusses his current work using cosmic rays to map the ancient Chichen Itza pyramid in Mexico —offering his undergraduate students at Dominican University a rare hands-on research experience. Tune in to hear how physics, archeology, and education collide in this real-life Indiana Jones story.

In this episode of Harper Talks, alumna Ushna Zamir shares how Harper College shaped her journey—from finding lifelong friendships to discovering a passion for communications. She shares how her experience on the speech team and support from mentors helped her shift from a STEM path to a new field of study. Now thriving in HR at Raytheon, she encourages students to be open to new opportunities, get involved, and trust the process.

Harper College alumnus Steven Mastandrea shares his journey from Harper to the University of Illinois, where he studied computer engineering. During his time there in the 1990s, he gained early exposure to the internet boom which helped shape his career.  Mastandrea also discusses his dual career paths — serving as Vice President of Engineering at Vibes while dedicating years to firefighting, EMS, and dive rescue work. Steven emphasizes the value of starting at a community college to explore interests and save money before transferring to a university.

Harper Talks host Brian Shelton sits down with alumnus Andrew Payette, a 2018 Harper College graduate and current constituent services liaison for U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. Andrew shares how his involvement with Harper’s speech and debate team led to an internship that evolved into a full-time role in public service. He discusses the apolitical nature of his work, assisting constituents with government-related issues, and reflects on how his Harper experience prepared him for his continued studies at Northwestern University. Andrew also offers insight into the realities of working in government and his aspirations for a future in public service.

Harper College Police Chief John Lawson, a 1987 Harper College graduate, reflects on his journey from Harper's criminal justice program to leading the campus police department. He shares insights into his 40-year law enforcement career including 28 years with the Roselle Police Department, the challenges of campus policing, and his dedication to community engagement and safety. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and making a difference.

Harper College alumna Sarah Alhayek reflects on her journey from an undecided high school graduate to an accomplished employee engagement generalist at Aldi. Sarah shares how Harper College helped her discover herself, build lasting friendships, and develop essential skills through involvement in campus activities. She discusses her career in industrial-organizational psychology, her passion for fostering workplace belonging, and the lessons she carries forward from her time as a student.